Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Russia: Economic Sanctions

Tuesday 2 September 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Cameron Thomas questioned the Government on the implications of China's increasing ties with Russia and its impact on sanctions against Russia.
  • Johanna Baxter congratulated the Minister of State on his recent marriage and raised concerns about Russian online activities.
  • Priti Patel inquired about the Foreign Secretary's plans to intensify sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cameron Thomas Ind Tewkesbury
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP references Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing and the increased ties between China and Russia, highlighting potential economic support for Putin from both China and North Korea. The questioner is concerned about the impact of this relationship on Ukraine.

Question

Vladimir Putin is in Beijing this week, where he has hailed the unprecedented levels of ties between China and Russia. For once I hope that the Government will actually take him at his word before China builds the super-embassy in our capital. China has ceased exports of drone components to Ukraine, and both Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un are propping up Putin economically. I commend the Prime Minister for uniting a coalition of the willing, but what tangible action is it taking to ensure that Ukraine wins against three adversaries?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I thought that one of our proudest moments was watching President Zelensky walk up the steps of No 10, and reflecting on the role that the Prime Minister has played in corralling the global community around the coalition of the willing. The hon. Gentleman will have seen the Prime Minister with President Zelensky again in Washington DC just a few weeks ago. In all that we are doing—on the oil price cap, in raising the issue of Russian sovereign assets with our G7 and European partners to try to resolve that issue, and through sanctions—we are leading the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response discusses general efforts without addressing specific economic actions against China and North Korea supporting Russia.

How: Working With Global Community, Leading On Oil Price Cap

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Q2 Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP refers to recent reports of a Russian online catalogue that allows families in Russia to search for Ukrainian children by hair and eye colour, highlighting the war crimes committed against Ukrainian children.

Question

May I join colleagues in sending my warmest congratulations to the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty), on his recent nuptials? Over the summer recess, reports emerged that the Russians had launched an online “catalogue” of the children whom they have stolen from Ukraine. This grotesque database allows Russian families to search for Ukrainian children by hair and eye colour. The Russians are advertising their war crimes in real time. What further action are the Government taking on this issue, and can the Foreign Secretary assure me that it will be the highest priority in discussions with the President of the United States during his visit later this month?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue once again. It is absolutely a standing item on the agenda with our friends in the United States, and of course we discuss these issues with our friends in Ukraine. Very shortly, my hon. Friend will see a further announcement in relation to this terrible atrocity.

Answered
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Q3 Priti Patel Con Witham
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP notes the sustained aerial assaults and brutality from Putin, questioning what additional sanctions are being considered to target those profiting from Russian oil exports.

Question

As Ukraine passes the grim milestone of its fourth independence day since Putin began his barbaric invasion, we have seen nothing but sustained aerial assaults and brutality from Putin. May I ask the Foreign Secretary directly what he will do to redouble his efforts in relation to sanctions—specific sanctions on those who are profiteering and making money from Russian oil? That is effectively what is fuelling Putin’s war machine and his barbaric assault on democracy.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I am grateful for the cross-party support in the Chamber on the issue of Ukraine. We have done a lot to lower the oil price cap, which I think has been essential. We, alongside the last Government, have the largest package of sanctions anywhere in the world against Putin’s war machine. I cannot comment from the Dispatch Box on further sanctions, but the right hon. Lady will see an announcement very shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response discusses existing efforts without confirming specific new sanctions targeting oil profiteers.

How: Cannot Comment From The Dispatch Box, Announcing Soon

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